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February 7, 2023
Insulin is an essential hormone in order to sustain a healthy body. It helps turn food into energy so that the body can nourish itself properly and also regulates levels of sugar in the blood.
Those with diabetes potentially have a reduced ability to produce insulin or lack the capacity to make use of it effectively; fortunately, artificial forms of insulin are available through medical professionals. This may include injectable pens or pumps, as well as directly via shots. Human-made insulin is an effective way to supplement a diabetes treatment regimen while helping those affected live healthier lives.
How does the insulin function?
Insulin unlocks the cells, allowing glucose to move out of the bloodstream and into your cells, where it can be used for energy. When insulin is inadequate or missing, however, glucose accumulates dangerously in the blood. This can cause hyperglycemia, leading to serious health conditions down the line.
Fortunately, medical research has developed treatments that provide resources for individuals living with diabetes who find themselves short on insulin; these treatments are helping them live healthier lives and prolong their healthspan.
Why is insulin medication prescribed?
Human insulin is an important medication for those with type 1 diabetes, in which virtually no insulin is produced by the body, or type 2 diabetes, wherein blood sugar levels are not adequately controlled by oral medications. As a class of hormones, human insulin functions to replace what our bodies naturally create and helps move sugar from the bloodstream into other tissues of the body. This sugar is then transformed and used as energy; additionally, it also hinders the liver from creating more sugar.
It should be noted that the various types of available insulin are all effective in this sense; the only difference between them lies in how quickly they start to work and how long their effect lasts.
Insulin treatment
Human Insulin treatment comes in two forms – solution (liquid) and suspension (liquid with particles that settle on standing). For optimal results, it should be injected subcutaneously, meaning under the skin. Depending on the severity of one’s case and other bio-individual factors, a doctor or healthcare provider will prescribe a certain type or combination of types of insulin, as well as determine the dosage and frequency of injections. It is crucial that these instructions are followed as prescribed and no changes are made to dosage or timing without consulting with a healthcare professional first.
In a healthcare setting, physicians and nurses are well-trained in monitoring patients carefully for any adverse reactions that may occur during or after the injection. Forms of human insulin such as Myxredlin, Humulin R U-100, and Novolin R have been approved by the FDA as safe and effective treatments to control blood glucose levels in adults with diabetes.
Human insulins such as Humulin R (Novolin R) should appear colorless, clear, and fluid-like water. It is not safe to use this type of insulin if it looks thickened or cloudy, has a colored tinge, or if there are solid particles present.
NPH human insulins (Humulin N/ Novolin N), as well as premixed insulins containing NPH (Humulin 70/30 or Novolin 70/30), should be milky looking after stirring thoroughly. Be aware that these types of insulin should not be used if there are clumps or solid white particles stuck at the bottom or walls of the bottle. Furthermore, do consider checking for an expiration date stamped on the bottle before using any type of insulin.
Important things to consider
It is important to provide your doctor with an accurate and up-to-date medical history for your health and safety. If you are prescribed insulin injections or other medications, be sure to discuss any potential side effects and complications with your doctor in detail. Allergies, daily medications, and supplements should all be provided to ensure that the treatments prescribed are safe for you and will not interfere with existing medications or potentially cause adverse reactions. In addition, alerting your doctor to existing medical conditions can help them make informed decisions about the best course of action. Be open and honest with your healthcare provider; they will understand any concerns you have and appreciate being given as much information as possible to best meet your needs.
Final Thoughts
Insulin therapy can help people with diabetes manage their condition and live healthy lives. Our nursing staff at Maplewood Sauk Prairie Health and Rehabilitation Center can work with your doctor to assist you with your medication needs while at MSP.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/
